Choosing Fence Contractors

Whether you are looking to secure your land or provide a property divider, a fence is an investment that will last for years. Charlotte Fence Company will help you choose the right materials and install them properly.

Ask potential fencing contractors for references. You can also find out if they have experience working on your type of property and if the work is guaranteed.

Choosing the right fence contractor will make all the difference in the appearance and longevity of your fence. A reputable fencing company will offer both an installation and product warranty to ensure the quality of their work. This warranty will cover repairs to the materials and labor in the event of damage caused by the manufacturer or the installer. This warranty may also cover the cost of new materials for a certain amount of time. Look for a warranty that lasts three years or more.

A warranty should include a clear description of the coverage, including what types of damages are covered and how long the repair will be covered. For example, some manufacturers will only cover the structural integrity of their fences for a specific period after installation. Others will only provide a labor warranty on the posts.

It is also important to find out whether the fence company will cover the permit costs and pull any necessary permits. This is particularly important if you live in a city with strict building codes and requirements. It is important to choose a contractor who is familiar with local regulations and knows how to handle them.

Lastly, it is important to find out about the company’s business practices and ethics. Checking their website, social media sites, and Better Business Bureau rating will give you insight into their professionalism and customer satisfaction. Also, ask about their insurance policy and if they carry worker’s compensation, liability, and general business insurance. Additionally, if they are members of any professional organizations, such as the American Fence Association, this will indicate that they are committed to quality work.

Experience

You want to hire a fence contractor with experience in the field. They’ll know what to do, and they’ll have a better chance of finishing the job on time. They will also be able to help you choose a style and layout for your fence. They may even have suggestions based on their own past work that you might not have thought of.

Asking for references is a great way to learn more about fencing contractors before hiring them. You’ll want to know what other people thought of their work and whether they were able to meet the deadlines set by the contractor. You should be able to find these references online or through a local directory. If you have any luck finding any, ask for references from other businesses that the fence contractor has worked with. These might include real estate agents, architects, or other businesses that the company has dealt with in the past.

Check out a fence contractor’s website before making an appointment. The website should have a professional appearance and be easy to navigate. Look for background information on the company, including how long they’ve been in business. You should also find out what kinds of fencing they specialize in, what types of materials they use, and their warranty information.

Another thing to ask is how they communicate with their clients. A good fence contractor should respond to emails and phone calls in a timely manner and be polite when they talk too much. If they seem distracted or unorganized, you might want to reconsider working with them. Additionally, be wary of any fence company that requires cash payments for work. This is a red flag, as it leaves no paper trail and can be hard to trace.

Referrals

One of the best ways to find a good fence contractor is to ask your friends and neighbors for referrals. They will be able to tell you about the good, the bad, and the ugly experiences with different contractors, and this can help you make a better decision. In addition, they will also be able to recommend a contractor who may be a good fit for your home and budget.

Before hiring a fence contractor, it is important to ask about their insurance coverage. You should make sure that they have both general liability and workers’ compensation experience. This will protect you if something goes wrong during the installation process. In addition, you should find out if they will be responsible for contacting utility companies to ensure there are no gas or electricity lines underground before digging begins.

It is also a good idea to check with your local hardware stores to see which fencing companies they recommend. You can also ask for references from past clients and read online reviews. However, keep in mind that unhappy customers are more likely to post negative comments than satisfied ones. So be selective and choose a company with a good track record.

Another thing to look for is whether the fence contractor provides a written estimate for the job. This will help you determine if they have hidden fees and are likely to produce substandard work. Also, be wary of a contractor who gives a quote that is significantly lower than the average. This could be a sign that they are using cheap materials or are not licensed and insured. It is also a good idea to ask the contractor whether they will be responsible for pulling permits or if that falls on the homeowner.

Budget

A fence frames your house from the street and offers what is often the first view of your home that visitors will have. Adding one to your property will not only boost its value and curb appeal but also increase its security and safety. While it’s possible to build a fence yourself, hiring professional contractors ensures the work is done correctly and will last. These experts will not only ensure the quality of the fence but will also help you find the right style to fit your budget and lifestyle.

When comparing prices, consider the length of the fence and any extras you might need to complete the project. For example, if you have to dig a hole for the posts or install a gate, this will increase overall costs. Also, it’s important to understand whether you’ll be responsible for contacting the local utility companies to check for underground gas, power, or electrical lines. Accidentally hitting these lines can cause serious damage and may result in costly repairs.

The contractor should be able to provide you with an estimate for the job and give you a timeline. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to have the contractor visit your home and survey the site before they begin work. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and evaluate their expertise.

It’s also helpful to ask about the contractor’s membership in any trade organizations. Membership in these groups shows that the company is reputable and committed to excellence. You can also look at their Better Business Bureau rating to see if they have any unresolved complaints. In addition, be sure to ask about their warranty and whether they offer any additional services like painting or staining the fence after installation.